Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

ECU’s Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences offers degrees in Biology and Environmental Health Sciences. This diverse department trains students to become biologists, medical professionals, public health workers, and environmental safety officers.

Degree Options:

Biology

A Bachelor of Science is designed for students who plan to become practicing biologists in industry or government, or plan to pursue a graduate degree in Biology. This degree program is usually chosen by those students who need pre-professional training before entering the schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, or other health-related professional schools or graduate school. The life sciences provide many areas from which students can choose careers. To meet these needs, the Biology program offers a variety of courses and several concentrations. 

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Areas of Concentration

• General Biology

• Health Science

  • 3 + 1 Program - The 3+1 Program offers students a unique opportunity to complete their undergraduate and medical education in seven years by completing three years of undergraduate education at ECU and four years of medical education at OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

  • Guaranteed Interview Program - This program guarantees that ECU students who meet the specified criteria will be invited for an interview with the OSU-CHS College of 
    Osteopathic Medicine Admissions Committee. This Agreement does not guarantee admission to the OSU-CHS College of Osteopathic Medicine.  
    
    

• Medical Lab Scientist Concentration

• • • The Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Medical Laboratory Scientist Concentration prepares students for careers in clinical laboratory science, where they perform and supervise the complex laboratory testing that supports patient diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention.

      Students gain a strong foundation in biology and laboratory techniques while developing the skills needed to manage clinical laboratories and collaborate with physicians and researchers in diagnosing disease, monitoring patient health, conducting clinical trials, and advancing medical research.

      The program consists of three years of coursework at East Central University, followed by one year of clinical training at an approved hospital-based School of Medical Laboratory Science, providing students with the hands-on experience required for professional practice.

• Natural Resources Management
  
  

• Teaching Certification

  • The Bachelor of Science in Science Teacher Certification prepares future educators with a strong foundation in Biology, Physical Sciences, and evidence-based teaching practices. Students gain the scientific knowledge and classroom experience needed to become effective middle and high school science teachers.

    The program combines rigorous coursework with professional education courses and field experiences, equipping graduates with the skills to engage students, foster scientific inquiry, and inspire the next generation of learners. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to pursue teacher certification in accordance with Oklahoma state requirements.

• Molecular Biology
  
  

• Ecology

  • The Biology | Ecology Concentration prepares students to understand the relationships between organisms and their environments. Students develop the scientific and analytical skills needed to address today's environmental challenges.

    Coursework aligns with the Ecological Society of America's Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) Framework. Classwork includes Zoology, Organic Chemistry, Biostatistics, Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Animal Parasitology, Field Methods, Herpetology, Plant Physiology, Wildlife Management, Human Physiology, Ecology, and Undergraduate Research.

    Through classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, fieldwork, and research opportunities, students gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed for a wide range of careers. Graduates are prepared for opportunities in environmental consulting, wildlife and natural resource management, conservation, research, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, science communication, policy, and graduate study.

Environmental Health Science - Areas of Concentration